This summer I took twenty athletes to camp. We tent camped at Barton Flats, in the S.B. National Forest. This was an experience of a life time!!!
Watching athletes that had never camped before, trying to set up a tent or cook over a outdoor stove was a sight to see. Just thinking about it now brings a smile to my face.
I remember thinking weeks before camp, what if I lose someone, or what if they don’t like it and want to go home. What if…..I had never taken any athletes to camp before. Thank God for good friends who were willing to go along and help.
I wanted to make camp fun for the athletes, but also work. I wanted them to have an oportunity to run in the cool weather, but also a chance to get away, have fun, and do some team bonding. It seemed to be success.
I believe one of the most memorable times that week was playing a trust game. The object of this game was for each team to tell their partner where plastic balls were located, but the only words that could be said were right, left, forward or back. Each team was to collect as many balls as possible. It was great to see athletes that would not normally pair up, get together and work hard to get the job done.
During this week we took a thirteen mile hike into the S.B. national forest. Wow was that a workout. The best part of the hike was that we found a natural stream with freezing cold water. We all decided to get in. It was funny to watch them lay down in the steam and freeze, then tell others it wasn’t that bad.
When I think of this trip and the week I had with this team of cross country runners, it always bring a smile to my face. This will always be an experience that will forever be ingrained into my memory. It is one of those times when no matter what has gone on in a day, when I think about the event or the athletes involved, it bring happiness to my life and fills my heart with joy.
